A Summary of Delaware Divorce Laws

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Divorce Laws Specifically for the State of Delaware

Delaware divorce laws are pretty straightforward. But before we get into them, here are some other interesting facts about Delaware: The State of Delaware – the first state accepted into the union – boasts the world’s largest Lego tower, was the birthplace of Henry Heimlich (inventor of the lifesaving abdominal thrust known as the Heimlich maneuver). Delaware is also one of four states which doesn’t charge sales tax on purchases. Fight Club was set in Wilmington, Delaware. And the first automobile to be built in America was built by Delawarean Oliver Evans. These are only a few of many interesting facts about the Diamond State (like how it got that nickname from Thomas Jefferson).

Grounds for Divorce Under Delaware Divorce Laws

A decree of divorce will be granted in the State of Delaware upon a finding that the marriage is irretrievably broken and that reconciliation is improbable.

A marriage is irretrievably broken when the following occur:

Voluntary separation

Separation caused by the respondent’s misconduct

Separation caused by the respondent’s mental illness

Separation caused by incompatibility

Waiting Period

A couple must be separated for at least six months before a divorce can be granted. Seeing as how separation seems to be the main grounds for divorce, this one shouldn’t be much of a problem.

Residency Requirements

At least one of the parties to the action for divorce must have resided within the State of Delaware for at least six continuous months immediately prior to the commencement of the action for divorce. The petition may be filed in the county where either party resides. Delaware having only three counties will probably make this a lot easier for some of you.

Name of Court and Title of Action/Parties

Some important names to remember:

An action for divorce filed within the State of Delaware is filed with the Family Court

The title of the action initiating the divorce proceeding is a Petition for Divorce

The title of the action granting the divorce is referred to as the Decree of Divorce

The party filing the action is called the Petitioner

And the other party to the divorce is referred to as the Respondent

Simplified Divorce Proceeding

Although there is no simplified divorce proceeding in the State of Delaware, the respondent may file an answer and waiver of service of process, thereby dispensing with further service and notice issues in the proceeding. If the divorce is uncontested, the court shall rule on the petition at a hearing, which only the petitioner need attend and testify.

Legal Separation

There are no provisions within Delaware divorce laws that recognize legal separation.

Conciliation/Mediation

In cases involving minor children of the marriage, the court shall order that the parties participate in a Parenting Education Course designed to educate the parties on the impact of divorce on children. In addition, if the divorce proceeding is contested, the court may continue the proceeding with the consent of the parties for up to sixty days so that the parties may seek counseling.

Alimony

Delaware divorce laws allow a court to award alimony to either party. Unless the parties were married for 20 years or longer, the term of an award of alimony shall not exceed one-half the term of the marriage.

Any person awarded alimony has a continuing obligation to make good faith efforts to seek appropriate vocational training and employment, unless the court specifically finds that it would be inequitable to require the party to do so.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the obligation to pay alimony terminates upon the death of either party or the remarriage or cohabitation of the party receiving alimony. The court will award alimony, without regard to fault, in such amount and for such times as the court deems appropriate, after consideration of the following factors:

The financial resources of the party seeking alimony

The time and expense necessary to acquire sufficient education and training to enable the party seeking alimony to find appropriate employment

The standard of living established during the marriage

The duration of the marriage

The age, physical and emotional condition of both parties

Any financial or other contribution made by either party to the education, training, vocational skills, career or earning capacity of the other party

The ability of the paying spouse to meet his needs while paying alimony

Tax consequences

Whether either party has foregone or postponed economic, education, or other employment opportunities during the course of the marriage

Any other factor the court deems just and appropriate to consider

Distribution of Property

Delaware is an equitable distribution state, which means that the court will divide the marital property as it deems equitable and just among the parties, after setting aside to each spouse that which belongs to him or her.

Factors the court will consider in distributing the marital property under Delaware divorce laws include:

The length of the marriage

Any prior marriage of the parties

The age, health, station, amount and sources of income, vocational skills, employability, estate, liabilities and needs of each party

Whether the property is awarded in lieu of or in addition to alimony

The opportunity of each party for future acquisition of capital assets and income

Each party’s contribution to the acquisition, preservation, depreciation, dissipation or appreciation of the marital property

The value of the property set aside to each spouse

The economic circumstances of each party at the time the division of property is to take effect

The debts of the parties

Tax consequences

Child Custody

The court shall determine the custody of any minor children of the marriage based upon the best interests of the child. In determining the child’s best interests, the court shall consider the following factors:

The wishes of the parents

The wishes of the child

The interaction and interrelationship of the child with parents, grandparents, siblings and any other person whose relationship significantly affects the child

The child’s adjustment to home, school and community

The physical and mental health of all parties

Evidence of domestic violence

Each parent has an equal right to receive all records of the child, such as school, medical or dental records. In addition, each parent has right to reasonable access to the child by telephone or mail.

Child Support

Each parent has a duty to support any minor children of the marriage. In determining the amount of support to be awarded, the court will consider several factors, including:

The health, relative economic condition, financial circumstance, income, including the wages, and earning capacity of the parties, including the children

The manner of living to which the parties have been accustomed when they were living under the same roof

The general equities inherent in the situation

Name Change

If a spouse requests to return to a former or maiden name, the court will allow for the name to be changed.